Reaching for Thermal Comfort in the Ecuadorian Andes

Abstract

Throughout the last few decades, mankind has been building creatively with locally sourced materials. In the arid Ecuadorian Andes vernacular architecture is build out of earth and eucalyptus wood. Unfortunately, this knowledge of traditional earth building techniques became lost in Ecuador. On account of globalization and modernization, materials such as concrete and cement have begun to replace ‘traditional’ earthen building materials. The goal is to change social morality within the context of earth buildings, by building for the environment and the comfort needs of the inhabitants. This paper analysis the Climatic conditions of Ecuador and explore possible passive, energy-efficient methods of acquiring heat within an adobe structure in order to reach ideal thermal comfort temperatures. Eventually, I will apply certain passive measures to a design that can contribute to improving the social morality around earthen architecture.